International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) is celebrated annually during the last full week of September since 2009. It is observed globally by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), its national associations, and affiliates. The week culminates with International Day of the Deaf on the final Sunday of the week.
International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) 2025
In 2025, the International Week of Deaf People was celebrated from 22–28 September, and International Day of the Deaf was observed on 28 September 2025.
Theme 2025: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”
- The theme emphasises the connection between equality and language access.
- It focuses on deaf culture, inclusion, and recognition of sign languages as a fundamental human right.
- It aims to:
- Celebrate the achievements of deaf individuals,
- Strengthen solidarity within the global deaf community, and
- Encourage governments and institutions to advance deaf rights and sign language recognition.
Background
- Initiated: 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
- Objective:
- To raise awareness of the rights of deaf people,
- To promote the importance of sign language in full social and cultural participation.
- Since 2018, it has been celebrated together with the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), which was officially recognised by the United Nations.
- The week highlights the achievements, challenges, and cultural identity of the global deaf community.
About World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
- Founded: 1951
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
- Composition:
- Comprises 130 national associations of the deaf worldwide.
- Works in collaboration with the United Nations to promote equality and inclusion.
- Objectives:
- Improve human rights of deaf persons,
- Enhance the status of national sign languages,
- Ensure access to quality education,
- Improve access to information, technology, and services.
- Representation: The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) represents the United States as an affiliate member of WFD.
Key Facts
- International Week of the Deaf: Observed annually in the last full week of September.
- International Day of the Deaf: Celebrated on the final Sunday of that week.
- International Day of Sign Languages: 23 September, recognised by the United Nations (UNGA Resolution A/RES/72/161, adopted in 2017).
- WFD Motto: Promoting “Human Rights Through Sign Languages.”
- Official UN Partner: World Federation of the Deaf is a UN-recognised organisation advocating for linguistic and cultural rights.